Ryan Giggs Stresses Desire To Represent Team GB And Reunite With David Beckham At London 2012 Olympics (POLL)

Ryan Giggs has reaffirmed his desire to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, despite qualms from the Welsh Football Association.

Giggs has never featured in a major international tournament in his 21 years as a professional footballer, and is eager to be part of Stuart Pearce's squad as one of three over-23-year-old members.

Wales nevertheless are concerned at how any participation of their players - which could also include captain Aaron Ramsey and Tottenham winger Gareth Bale - could harm their independence as a footballing nation.

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"I've put myself forward to be involved," said Giggs, who has made coach Stuart Pearce's provisional squad selections.

"Whether I get picked we'll have to see. Everybody is excited about the Olympics coming to London and different parts of Britain."

On Welsh gripes, the 38-year-old said: "People are going to have different views. I want to be involved in the tournament atmosphere. If it happens it happens, if it doesn't so be it."

Wales have not qualified for a major tournament since 1958, when they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Sweden only to be beaten by eventual winners Brazil.

Giggs and the Dragons came close when they qualified for a play-off for the 2004 European Championship, but were defeated 1-0 on aggregate by Russia, with the Manchester United winger suspended for the second leg after elbowing an opponent in Moscow.

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Having retired from international duty in 2007, the Premier League's greatest ever player is also eager for a mini-reunion with former United team-mate David Beckham. The former England captain left United for Real Madrid in 2003 at a price of £25m.

"Becks is obviously a friend and he remains a great player. If it [featuring in the GB side together] was to be, it'd be great. I started my playing career with Becks in the [United] youth team. Twenty years later, to be still doing that would be great."

He did find time for self-deprecation at his and Beckham's ageing limbs too.

"I don't think it'll be like 20 years ago when we were both up and down. We might be able to get up but we won't be able to get back down again."